Today’s worship service focused on Elizabeth and Mary’s commitment to the Lord. Elizabeth went into seclusion, and Mary left her home—not once, but twice—so that we could find Christmas. We heard a powerful testimony from Lynda Shackelford. She shared courageously about her journey through infertility and adoption. We also celebrated the baptisms of four new […]
Read More »Over the last few days, we’ve studied the Gospel of Matthew and learned ways that Jesus reaches people. Jesus reaches people in five very important ways. He reaches up to his heavenly Father depending on him for guidance every step of the way. He reaches across to others who were in their own synagogues and […]
Read More »Jesus teaches us how to reach out to the city, across to those in our church, down as servants, and into our homes. At every step of the way, Jesus reached up to his heavenly Father for guidance. Jesus reaches out to us so that we can in turn reach up to him. He changes […]
Read More »In Matthew 14, Jesus famously walks on the water showing his lordship over the wind and sea. Peter leaves the boat of disciples and tries to join him. When the impetuous disciple becomes afraid of the wind and the waves, Jesus reaches down to save him. Jesus not only triumphs over our fears but also […]
Read More »Advent announces God’s mission to the world. He sent his Son from his heavenly home to reign from a manger. Just as God sent Jesus, so we have the chance to participate in this mission throughout the month by hearing, giving, and sharing the good news. Several people among our church body and connected to […]
Read More »Thus far, we’ve studied how Jesus reaches out and across to people. Now we take a look at the way Jesus reached inside his own household to point out who his true family is. In Matthew 12 as Jesus teaches, as is their custom, someone interrupts him. Someone in the crowd brings a message from […]
Read More »In my last post, we looked at how Jesus—and FBC—will reach out to impact our city. Today, we study how Jesus reaches across to the people inside a synagogue and touches one of their own. A Man Stretches His Hand Matthew 12:9-14 9He left that place and entered their synagogue; 10a man was there with […]
Read More »Our church has adopted a strategic plan to “reach people for Jesus” over the next five years. Jesus shows us how to reach people in the ways that he reached people during his ministry. Our word for “reaching others” actually comes from a Greek word that means to “stretch out your hand” or to “reach […]
Read More »Throughout December, I’ll feature stories and information about First Baptist’s adopted Strategic Plan. Today, we take a look at the “Snapshot Survey.” Jenny Wilhelm, Gale Neal, and Josh Hall administered and interpreted the survey results. Their findings are reported below. In September, FBCTLH surveyed members, regular attendees, and occasional guests ages 12 and above. The […]
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Advent prepares us for Jesus’ return by inviting us to come to the manger. He reigns from a throne normally designed as a feeding trough for sheep. Our Good Shepherd comes as a humble servant delivered into this world by a poor family from Nazareth. They leave the security of their house to follow God’s […]
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